Largest Salem Community College class ever celebrates graduation (Photo Galleries)

CARNEYS POINT TWP. — The annual commencement at Salem Community College saw the school’s largest graduating class in its 40-year history.

The ceremony was held the DuPont Field House in Davidow Hall on the college’s main campus on Hollywood Avenue.

More than 200 received their degrees at the ceremony.

Along with being the community college’s 40th graduation, it also marked the first time where a new college president — Joan Baillie — presided over the event in more than a decade. Baillie succeeded Dr. Peter Contini who retired in December.

Melissa Greer was selected by fellow classmates to give this year’s address to the Salem Community College graduating Class of 2012.

Greer, who graduated in the field of Health Sciences, had been out of high school for more than 20 years and finally returned to college in 2007.

She recalled that she was afraid of failure, but assured the graduating class that any challenges they face will make them stronger.